Umatilla voters approve Measure 30-168 to fund new police station
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
Umatilla — (News release from the city of Umatilla) On Tuesday, November 5, Umatilla voters passed the Measure 30-168 bond package to dedicate new property tax revenue toward the construction of the Umatilla Police Station.
The general obligation bond was presented to voters as an option to fund the new police station, which the City of Umatilla has been planning since 2021. The $19.8 million bond will cover the cost of construction on the purpose-built station to replace the modular unit that currently serves as the police station.
The approximately 14,000-square-foot building will be located on the same block as the current station. It will include adequate space for officers to meet with victims and witnesses, conduct secure interviews, utilize modern equipment and evidence storage, and access physical and mental health resources. It also will include a public community room for meetings and events, with room for staffing to grow in future decades.
With the passage of the 20-year bond measure, the project will be funded through shared tax rate of 27 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value collected from businesses and residents. Corporations in the Greater Umatilla Enterprise Zone will pay about 93.5% of the total project cost. Residents and other businesses will pay the remaining 6.5%, which is about $35 per year for the median property owner in Umatilla.
The Umatilla City Council approved a Public Safety Center Credit that will be activated with the passage of the measure. Each household will receive the credit equal to its new property tax payment on a utility bill in the late spring/early summer following their November tax payment. More details will be announced on the timing of this payment.
“We are pleased to be moving forward with this police station project as we plan for Umatilla’s public safety over the next 20 years,” said Umatilla City Manager David Stockdale. “The City is committed to the responsible use of local resources and tax dollars to improve the livability and safety here in Umatilla. We are excited about the opportunity to leverage funds from new corporate development for this important project.”
Once the election results are certified, the City will complete design, permitting and bidding for the new police station. Learn more about the project and funding mechanism at www.umatilla.gov/policestation.
